## Young Woman’s Story Highlights Importance of Prompt Cervical Screening
A 26-year-old woman who initially blamed her health concerns on a contraceptive device has spoken out about her cervical cancer diagnosis, urging others not to dismiss symptoms and to attend routine screenings.
Jasmin McKee, who enjoys going to festivals and gigs, found herself facing an unexpected and life-changing challenge after experiencing abnormal bleeding. Like many women, she postponed her first cervical screening out of nerves. When she finally attended the appointment in February 2024, she also opted to have a copper coil, a type of intrauterine device (IUD), fitted during the visit.
Shortly after the procedure, Jasmin began to notice bleeding after sex. She brushed aside her worries, attributing the symptoms to side effects from the newly inserted coil. “No one ever wants to think the worst,” she told reporters. “I just assumed it was the device and ignored what was happening.” Her experience mirrors that of many others who downplay health issues due to anxiety or lack of information.
Jasmin’s symptoms persisted. When the cervical screening revealed abnormal cells, she underwent further tests, eventually leading to the devastating diagnosis of stage three cervical cancer. “It’s one of those things you never imagine could happen to you,” Jasmin recalled. “The world just stopped moving.”
Following her diagnosis in September 2024, a battery of further tests and scans confirmed the seriousness of her condition. Doctors presented her with several options: she could wait and monitor the cancer’s progress, undergo a hysterectomy, or begin chemotherapy. Hesitant to make any decision that might compromise her future fertility, Jasmin initially chose to wait, acknowledging anxieties about someday starting a family.
In an attempt to treat the cancer while preserving her ability to have children, Jasmin underwent laser therapy in November 2024. Unfortunately, not enough cancerous tissue was removed, forcing her to commence radiotherapy in February 2025. Prior to more intensive treatments, she had her eggs frozen—a move often recommended for women facing similar circumstances.
Despite her best efforts, the effects of her diagnosis and ongoing treatment have upended her life. Beyond the emotional turmoil, Jasmin now faces financial insecurity, as her ability to work diminishes. She established a GoFundMe page to help ease the burden of mounting rent and living costs.
Describing the emotional rollercoaster since starting chemotherapy in April 2025, Jasmin said, “You never really expect this, especially at my age. It’s isolating and frightening.” She also donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust, raising an additional £2,000 and trying to bring some positivity to her situation. “It was important to me to take control and help others in any way I could.”
Her experience has changed her perspective on health, fertility, and living with uncertainty. “The hardest part might be knowing that I may not be able to have children naturally in the future. The uncertainty is overwhelming,” Jasmin admitted. She has also reluctantly abandoned her festival plans and cancelled gigs, acknowledging that the loss of such outlets is another blow.
Jasmin’s message to others is clear: attend your cervical screening appointments as soon as you’re invited. The NHS offers routine cervical screening to everyone aged between 25 and 64. “If I hadn’t gone,” she emphasised, “I probably would’ve kept putting it off—and who knows how far it would have progressed.” She urges women not to be deterred by anxiety or stories online, stressing that the procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes and could be lifesaving.
In the UK, cervical cancer impacts around 3,300 people each year and remains one of the most common diseases in females aged 30-35. Symptoms can include unusual vaginal bleeding, changes to discharge, pain during intercourse, or discomfort in the lower back or pelvis. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, making regular screening even more crucial.
Jasmin’s story serves as a poignant reminder for women everywhere: listen to your body, trust your instincts, and never be afraid to seek medical advice. “It’s easy to overthink or put it off,” she said. “But that simple screening could save your life.”